Trump's Rape Trial Proceedings Begin

Proceedings for the trial of former U.S. President Donald Trump began today, Tuesday, as writer E. Jean Carroll has filed a civil lawsuit accusing him of raping her in a department store fitting room in the mid-1990s. Jury selection is underway in the federal court in Manhattan for the case in which Carroll also accuses him of defamation. In this context, Trump described Carroll's lawsuit as a "hoax" and a "complete con." He also stated, "She fabricated the lawsuit to promote her autobiography," adding that she is not his type. However, he was not present in the courtroom and was not required to attend, with his lawyers indicating that "he will not need to testify in his defense." Carroll is seeking unspecified damages for what she describes as severe pain and suffering, ongoing psychological harm, and invasion of privacy. The trial is expected to last a week or two.